Regional Radio Shows on Heart, Smooth, and Capital to Be Scrapped

Manchester: Big changes are coming to regional radio. Heart, Smooth, and Capital are cutting their local shows. Instead, they’ll be broadcasting from London. This is part of a new plan by Global, the company that owns these stations.

Some popular shows, like ‘The Rob Ellis Show’ on Capital, will be replaced. There are about 20 regional programs across these brands in England, and they’re all affected.

Local favorite XS Manchester, known for its indie and alternative music, is set to close completely. It will be rebranded as Radio X 90s. This is a tough blow for fans and local artists who relied on the station for support.

According to reports, XS Manchester will shut down in about five weeks. The changes are expected to take effect on February 24, 2025. More details will come out before then.

DJ Jim Salveson from XS Manchester shared his thoughts in a video. He expressed gratitude for his time there and emphasized that now isn’t the time for sadness. He’s had a great run playing the music he loves.

Local musician Fynn Birch also reacted to the news, saying he’s really upset about XS Manchester closing. He highlighted how important local stations are for new artists like him. They provide a platform and reach that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Global has been contacted for comments on this situation.